Friday, May 30, 2008

Kicker's 4 month checkup

16 1lbs, 2 oz. weight. 26.75 in. length. Yay! What a big boy!
3 shots. Ouch. What an unhappy boy!

And an undescended testes. *sigh* I'm to watch it, until he turns 6 months. If it hasn't descended, we'll have to see a urologist. Poor baby.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

T13 #2: Reasons my Son is in Charge

My infant son, Kicker, rules the roost here.
1) When he poops, I wipe his butt. He never returns the favor.
2) Our anniversary falls on Father's day this year. Our annual romantic weekend away has turned into a day at the zoo.
3) Kicker merely has to smile at me, and I start behaving like a grinning idiot, blowing raspberries and singing.
4) I have to plan all errands around the baby's nap schedule. Bad.
5) I have to plan showers around the baby's nap schedule. Worse.
6) I have to plan bathroom breaks around the baby's nap schedule. Worst.
7) I've learned to eat almost any food one handed, so I can hold Kicker.
8) Menu planning around here consists of me pouring over a cookbook, fantasizing about what I'm going to prepare, and then in reality, fixing something that won't be ruined if Kicker has a meltdown or needs to eat during it's cooking.
9) Kicker likes to accessorize all my outfits with drool and / or spit-up.
10) And of course, no outfit is complete without the 20 lb diaper bag full of everything I might need to take care of Kicker.
11) When getting ready to go out in public, I feed Kicker, change his diaper (and, if necessary, his outfit), start to put on make-up, take care of Kicker - what's that, son? You say you a) spit up on yourself; b) messed your diaper again; c) are hungry again; or d) any combination of the above. Repeat as necessary until I give up on make-up. Don't even consider doing hair.
12) Make plans with Hubby for some (ahem) "quality time." Poor Kicker will be teething/cranky/fussy until we're too tired to even move. On the plus side, it's the safest form of birth control.
13) One smile from Kicker, and I smile, and look forward to more madness tomorrow.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Thursday 13: 13 Things I could live without but won't

Here is my first edition of Thursday Thirteen. I have guilty pleasures. And I like them. So, without further ado, here are 13 things I could live without, but won't.

1) Cheesy romance novels. Sure, I like the classics, and well-written prose. But a cheesy romance novel with absolutely no redeeming value? I've got to read it. Possibly twice.
2) Chocolate. Okay, I'm not so sure I *could* live without it, but I hear rumors that there are some who do, so I'm keeping an open mind.
3) My DVR. Hey, Will and Grace is on at the same time 'Roman Holiday' is? Record them both, watch something else, and then watch them tomorrow when I'm feeding the baby!
4) Disposable diapers. I'm sorry, friends. I know I promised to consider cloth diapers, but... I can't do it. Maybe if I had a better washing machine, and it wasn't in a separate, detached garage... but probably not. I need my Huggies.
5) In'n'Out. It truly is what a Hamburger is all about. Mmm... especially Animal style.
6) Splenda. My husband keeps trying to convince me that I need to give up all artificial sweeteners, but I really like a little splenda in my coffee or iced tea. Maybe when stevia comes down in price, or is available at the local starbucks.
7) Cookbooks. I'll admit it - I have a problem when it comes to cookbooks; I love collecting them. It's great fun looking through them all. Yes, there are tons that I've never even used a recipe out of, but I might someday.
8) Cookies. Right now I have Trader Joe's cookie dough in my freezer, ready to bake whenever I get that cookie craving. Because there are times when making them from scratch won't get them in my mouth fast enough. ;)
9) The internet. I'm not sure how I do it, but I can kill an entire day just surfing if I don't pay attention. I have way too many different blogs on my RSS reader, and once I'm done reading them, I'm onto the news. Once I'm done with the news, then it's off to check email again, and -- how can it be dark out? Whoops.
10) Ice Cream. Sometimes, I just need some ice cream. Right now, I have a pint of Haagen Daz Coffee Light ice cream in my freezer, calling to me. I'd be tearing into it right now, if it wasn't for the fact that I told Hubby about it, and he's looking forward to it, also.
11) Popcorn. Especially on rainy days - my Grandmother would make tea and popcorn for me, every time it rained. It's one of my favorite comfort foods. I make it with my air popper now, though, so I don't have to feel quite so guilty about this one, as long as I don't load it up with too much butter.
12) 3 Musketeer Bars. When I was really little, around age 2, my Grandfather would sit me down on his lap, and tell me stories, while feeding me 3 Musketeer Bar miniatures. He died before I turned 4, but I can still remember sitting there with him, laughing, and the sweet taste of those candy bars.
13) Library time. I look forward to heading over there, and going through the stacks, carefully picking out which books I'm taking home with me. And then I pick one special book, for me to curl up and begin reading at the library, away from the chaos that is home. Now that I have Kicker, I pick out a couple of special books for him, too, that I read to him at the library when he's awake.

Runnin' Hot and Cold

Just a few days ago, it was so hot, I was seriously worried about Kicker getting heatstroke. I figured out a week worth of air-conditioned plans, and broke out all his nice lightweight outfits. Heck, I planned an entire week's worth of meals for warm weather (okay, and I bought some ice cream - but Hubby doesn't need to know about that ;) ).

Today, it's cold and raining.

Why do I always feel like I'm two steps behind, weather-wise?

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Bump Day!


Wow - wish I'd known about this last year! If you're pregnant, Baskin Robbins Ice Cream is giving you a free cone or cup of soft serve ice cream today!

WW: Nap Time



For more Wordless Wednesday pictures, see 5 Minutes for Mom or the WW Hub.

Fishies!

This past Saturday, Hubby and I took Kicker to the Aquarium for the first time (a belated Mother's Day present for me). We arrived around his morning nap time, so, since Kicker insisted on eating as soon as we stepped inside, I figured he'd drop right off for a nap.
Hey, I'm new to this Mom stuff.
After eating, he didn't nap, but instead proceeded to try to take in everything. I strapped on the baby bjorn, and popped Kicker in. The aquarium was really busy - lots of families had the same idea as us, it appeared. We walked over to the first tank, and he kept reaching for the fish, with the most amazed look on his face. When I tried to walk away from the tank, Kicker flailed his arms and legs around, not wanting me to step away. Repeat above for each tank in the aquarium, sprinkling in lots of Kicker laughing, giggling, and smiling along the way. I think I saw a million big grins that day from his sweet little face.
We stayed until closing - Kicker never did take a nap, though after carrying him around all day, I sure could use one. A few days later, I still feel like amazingly happy at how wonderful a day it was - I can't wait to take Kicker back again, and see his glowing smile.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Lemon and Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes

So, here's the recipe that Hubby made for me for Mother's Day.

Lemon and Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes


When strawberries are in season, leave out the blueberries and mix ripe strawberries with a splash of good quality balsamic vinegar and a couple of tablespoons of sugar, and marinate for an hour. In the meantime, mix a cup of mascarpone cheese with a little confectioners’ sugar. Place a dollop of mascarpone and a ladle of strawberries over the pancakes for a truly international treat!

Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 15 minutes, Makes: about 12 pancakes

Ingredients:
3/4 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
pinch salt
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 c. ricotta cheese
2 Large Eggs
2/3 c. Milk
juice and grated zest of one lemon
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Canola Oil, for cooking
1 c. Frozen Blueberries, thawed and drained
confectioners' sugar

Directions:
1. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, eggs, milk, lemon juice and zest, and vanilla.
3. Fold dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
4. Heat griddle over medium high heat. Drizzle with a small amount of canola oil.
5. Pour half-cup batter onto griddle. Spread batter into a 5-inch circle. Sprinkle with blueberries. Cook until golden, turning once.
6. Dust with confectioners' sugar and top with Maple Syrup.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Mother's Day, part deux

This year was my first mother's day. My husband made reservations a month ahead of time at one of his favorite restaurants, and had gotten me a nice present that he'd given me a few days early (I got a new roasting pan!).
The plan was to do brunch together, just Hubby, Kicker (my infant son), and myself. And then, after a nice brunch, and taking Kicker for a walk, we'd meet with my mother and sister, and go out to dinner together.

That was the plan, at least.

We wake up that morning, and I roll over, kiss my husband, who grunts at me, and snuggles into his pillow. Kicker realizes I'm awake, and wants to nurse. Eventually, Hubby wakes enough to look at me and say, "I don't feel good. Happy Mother's day."
Yup - Hubby was sick for Mother's day. So, it became another day, until that evening, where it was decided that Kicker and I would still take Mom and Sis out for dinner, while Hubby stayed in bed, where he'd been all day.

So, fast-forward to this past Saturday, where Hubby and Kicker were having "Mother's Day, part Deux." Hubby made me a beautiful brunch - lemon and blueberry ricotta pancakes with real maple syrup, a frittata, turkey bacon, fresh juice, and coffee. Then we went to Aquarium (more in a different post), where we spent the day with me carrying Kicker in the baby bjorn. After, Hubby and Kicker took me out to dinner.

A perfect Mother's day. And it didn't have any of the crowdedness of the "official" holiday, which made it even better.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

What's in your purse?

Okay, Organized Mom's having a contest asking people, "What's in your purse?"

Now, since I have a 3 month old, I haven't carried a purse for a bit, instead using the gigantic 50lb behemoth known as a diaper bag. So, I found my black purse sitting in a corner of my closet, right where I left it when I got home from the hospital, and transferred most things out of it.
So, here's what was left in it:
2 lip glosses
1 hand salve
assorted change
1 bobby pin
2 hair bands
2 cough drops
3 crumpled receipts
2 tampons

Exciting, no?

5 Things About This Mom

1. I collect cookbooks. I've never met a cookbook I didn't like. ;)
2. My favorite book is "Pride and Prejudice," followed closely by "Treasure Island."
3. I hate spiders. Seriously hate them. Husband told me he killed a black widow near the garage door, and now I can't screw up the courage to go out there and do laundry.
4. I have a secret stash of junk food in the house. Very bad idea, diet wise, but I can't seem to let it be completely empty. Something I need to work on.
5. I love Mediterranean food. Live for it. Could eat it 3 meals a day.

Fun and Games at the Vet!

Okay, I have two big beautiful dogs (a 90 lb. German Shepherd and a 55 lb. Siberian Husky) who were my babies until, well, I had a baby. But I love them to pieces, even though they're a lot of work.

So, today was the first time since I had the baby that the doggies were due for the vet. I figure, no problem - I've got this under control. I pop the doggies in the back of my CRV, put the baby in his car seat, and head on over. I get there, and debate - hmm... take the baby in now, and check in one dog at a time, or take just the baby inside, and then get help checking in both dogs.

I chose wrong.

I decide that I'm going to take my Husky in with me, and then get help taking the GSD inside. So, I get my darling son out of the carseat, and open ever-so-slightly the back hatch of my car. The two dogs are scrambling, each trying to get out of the vehicle. Hrm... not such a good plan, I'm thinking. Still, I reach for the red leash of my Husky, and try to push the GSD's nose back. As I try to get the Husky out of the car - Whoops! The GSD pushes through, and is out of the vehicle! I'm now holding the Husky's leash (who also happens to be out of the vehicle), and watching in horror as my GSD is lapping the vet's parking lot. I call to my GSD, but he's so keyed up, he ignores me. Great.

I call for help, but there's no one in the parking lot or ear-range. The baby head-butts my shoulder. The GSD, thankfully, runs over to the vet's door, and noses it until someone opens it.
I run over, with the baby and with the Husky, thank profusely the customer who opened the door for the dog, and greet the vet tech who's standing there, giggling at me.

I need a drink.

The baby and I were supposed to head back home, load up the stroller, and head over to the park to meet a mom's group and feed the ducks, but I'm tired after this, so I skip it. I make a silent promise to the baby that we'll feed the ducks with Daddy this weekend.

Now I just have to figure out how I'm going to pick up the doggies this afternoon. *sigh*

Red Lentil Soup with Lemon


May I just say that my friend, Jen, made this soup for a potluck dinner party, and we were all practically licking our bowls.

Red Lentil Soup with Lemon

Ingredients:
Olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
3 to 4 cloves of garlic, minced
3 to 4 carrots, finely chopped
3 to 4 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 to 3 tablespoons tomato paste
4 teaspoons cumin, ground
4 teaspoons of coriander seeds, crushed (coffee grinder works great)
1 cup bulgur
1 to 1 ½ cups red lentils (You can wash if preferred, but not necessary)
7 ½ to 8 cups of organic chicken broth or vegetable broth (I use the low sodium and add salt)
2 or more lemons
½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
Salt and pepper

Directions:
1. In a large pot (one that will hold at least 8 cups liquid plus bulk), heat 5 tablespoons of olive oil until hot and simmering. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until golden (4 minutes).
2. Add the carrot, celery, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 2 teaspoons of crushed coriander seeds, salt
and pepper and sauté until the mixture is soft. Add more olive oil as needed to keep the
mixture from browning.
3. Stir in the tomato paste to blend with the mixture. Sauté the mixture for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the bulgur, lentils, and stock. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and then partially cover pot and turn heat to medium-low. Simmer until the bulgur and lentils are plump and soft, about40-50 minutes. If the soup appears thick, add more stock or water to thin. If the soup appears thin, add more tomato paste and simmer the soup uncovered.
5. Add remaining 2 teaspoons each of cumin and coriander seeds. Salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add the juice of the lemons to taste.
7. Stir in half the parsley and sprinkle the remaining half over the soup.
8. Serve soup drizzled with olive oil.

What I've Learned Since Becoming a Mother

3 and a half months ago, I gave birth to the most perfect, beautiful little boy ever. And every day, since, he's taught me something new.

I've learned to always start my day with a smile and a laugh.
I've learned that I should always keep a change of clothes in the car for me.
I've learned that no brand of diaper is leak-proof.
I've learned that at 3 months, babies can have teeth.
Thankfully, I've learned that babies can't suck and bite at the same time.
I've learned that Daddies can be sick any time, even on your first Mother's Day. That bit.
I've learned that while it may not be possible to get your entire fist in your mouth, it is very important to never give up - maybe a bit more drool to lubricate it could be the key.
I've learned that any piece of jewelry I'm wearing is the first thing Baby's going to see, and the most important thing in the world for him to pull on.
I've learned that Daddy becomes the world's deepest sleeper when Baby poops in the middle of the night.
I've learned that, no matter what my mood is, baby snuggling and cuddling makes me feel happy and content.
I've learned that no sound in the world is quite as heartbreaking as the sound of my son crying.
I've learned that no sound in the world is quite as wonderful as the sound of my son's laughter or babbling.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Creating your own tutu!

My friend's daughter (hence forth referred to in my blog as 'niece') is turning 4 soon. She is, like many little girls that age, obsessed with all things Dora, princess, pink, and purple. She's also obsessed with babies, but as she and I have discussed, she can't have my son.
So, I've been looking at tutus online, trying to decide which one to get her. And I came across this really great blog post on how to make your own!
The Little Window Shoppe has posted these great instructions, and I plan to make a pink and purple tutu for my niece, and then get her a cute Dora top. Not only are they really cute, they're easy enough that even the craft-challenged like myself could make these!

Kirtsy Lives!

Sk*rt is now Kirtsy. Okay, so the name I voted for may not have won, but still love the new name.

I've already spent far too much time today browsing through all the links on their page. Whoops. :) Luckily, Baby can't talk yet and rat me out.

They have a contest going on over there to celebrate their name change. Remember to change your sk*rt badges over to kirtsy badges, and then go over to this kirtsy post to enter the contest!

Monday, May 12, 2008

MommyFest 2008


MommyFest 2008 Carnival just kicked off!

Come check out the festivities and the blogs of other Mommys out there.

There are prizes, and fun posts from hundreds of other moms just like us out there!

A little about me:
I'm a 30 year-old new SAHM with a beautiful baby boy born in January. My husband and I have been married almost seven years (this June is our anniversary).
I'm new to parenting; heck, I'm even new to being around groups of other women, having grown up on a street with all boys, and having been in a mostly male major in college. Mom group dynamics both fascinate and terrify me - but that's for another post.

Notes from My Nest's Mother's Day Blog Bash!

The blog, Notes from my nest, is having a Mother's Day Blog Bash! They've got a ton of great giveaways. Check it out! I, personally, have my eye on the peanut shell nursing cover.

notes from my nest: The Giveaway Gallery

Friday, May 9, 2008

Delightful Diapers

This card is hilarious.

In case you can't read the image, it says:

Happy First Mother's Day!

This card entitles the bearer to one week of delightful diapers, the likes of which are filled with neat, plastic-encased poops, tied with ribbons at each end, and scented lightly of vanilla.

signed,
______
Note: this offer is not valid unless signed by baby



Alternate Greetings has officially just made my day.

I want to thank Cool Mom Picks for alerting me to this neat company - I'm going to have to order Hubby's first father's day card from there.

Hug-A-By Baby!

So this has been a big change, going from a working woman to a stay at home mother. One of the most important lessons I've learned so far (hey, I know I'm still completely new to this) is get out of the house.

To that extent, I've come to rely on our weekly trip to the library. I order a bunch of books from their catalog online, so they're waiting for me when I get there - that way, if he's not feeling like being out and about, I don't have to forgo having a new book to read to keep baby happy.
The local library also has a great program going for babies - it's called Hug-A-By Baby (look in to it - from what I understand, a lot of libraries are starting programs like this). It's for 2 months old to 2 year old kids, and their parent. Singing, playing, story time, all with other similarly aged children and their parents. Baby and I love going once a week in the morning, and playing on the carpet.

So, my posting today was inspired by a site I found just this morning (which I will be using religiously, I might add: www.rookiemoms.com.
They're having a blog blast this weekend, asking moms to talk about what outings worked great for them when they were rookie moms. For complete details, view this post: http://blog.parentbloggers.com/2008/05/09/rookie-moms-blog-blast-final-round-up/

Thursday, May 8, 2008

A Day with the Kids...

If there is such a thing as hell, I'm pretty sure that it involves a cranky 4 year old, an exuberant 2 year old, and a hungry, teething 3 month old.

Telling the sweet 4 year old (who, I found out afterwards, had missed her nap) that she couldn't keep my sweet baby boy resulted in a not-so-sweet tantrum. This, after a long afternoon shopping at Hilo Hattie's, eating lunch at Dave&Busters, playing games at D&B with the 4 and 2 year olds, picking out prizes in the D&B shop (and a tantrum because they didn't have enough tickets to buy the life-size pony), and finally, Starbuck's (because the Mommies needed caffeine after all that).

 
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